Patricia Mertz Esswein
Contributing Writer, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
Esswein joined Kiplinger in May 1984 as director of special publications and managing editor of Kiplinger Books. In 2004, she began covering real estate for writing about the housing market, buying and selling a home, getting a mortgage, and home improvement. Prior to joining Kiplinger, Esswein wrote and edited for a monthly magazine covering sports and recreation in upstate New York. She holds a BA degree from Gustavus Adolphus College, in St. Peter, Minn., and an MA in magazine journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University.
Crucial Steps in the Search for the Right Nursing Home
long term care
Crucial Steps in the Search for the Right Nursing Home
Finding a skilled nursing facility or nursing home after a hospital stay can be daunting. Follow these steps and tips to make the process easier.
August 18, 2021
15 Home Features Today's Buyers Want Most
home
15 Home Features Today's Buyers Want Most
Thinking about selling your house? Here are 15 home features potential buyers are coveting right now.
August 2, 2021
26 Things Home Buyers Will Hate About Your House
real estate
26 Things Home Buyers Will Hate About Your House
As a home seller, you don't want to let the small -- or big -- fixes around your house that have added up over the years sabotage your bottom line dur…
July 29, 2021
How to Disaster-Proof Your Home
real estate
How to Disaster-Proof Your Home
Natural disasters are going to happen. Take steps to prepare—and see if you can get help with the costs.
July 9, 2021
Should You Rent or Buy Your Next Home in Retirement?
mortgages
Should You Rent or Buy Your Next Home in Retirement?
If you’re thinking about renting your next home instead of buying, consider the pros and cons of the decision.
May 27, 2021
A COVID Storm Hits Senior Living
Coronavirus and Your Money
A COVID Storm Hits Senior Living
The pandemic has created significant challenges for all types of senior living communities. Because of that, it's more important than ever to review a…
March 3, 2021
A Retirement Home Is a Tiny House in the Kids’ Backyard
Making Your Money Last
A Retirement Home Is a Tiny House in the Kids’ Backyard
A tiny home in retirement could be a more-affordable way to downsize and still be close to family.
December 31, 2020
Planning to Sell Your Home in Retirement? Downsize Costs Along With Space
Budgeting
Planning to Sell Your Home in Retirement? Downsize Costs Along With Space
In this hot real estate market, consider the costs of buying and selling a house along with the expenses associated with your new digs.
November 13, 2020
Retirees, Make the Most of Your Home Equity
Budgeting
Retirees, Make the Most of Your Home Equity
A home equity loan or home equity line of credit may be perfect for your retirement finances. But don't delay; a fee increase is coming.
November 2, 2020
26 Things Home Buyers Will Hate About Your House
real estate
26 Things Home Buyers Will Hate About Your House
As a home seller, you don't want to let the small -- or big -- fixes around your house that have added up over the years sabotage your bottom line dur…
October 16, 2020
Retirees, Create An Emergency Fund for Rental Property
Business Costs & Regulation
Retirees, Create An Emergency Fund for Rental Property
Build a cushion to protect your income from an unforeseen crisis.
September 15, 2020
12 Things Every Home Buyer Should Do
real estate
12 Things Every Home Buyer Should Do
Buying a home may be one of the biggest purchases you will ever make.
June 12, 2020
11 Things Every Home Seller Should Do
real estate
11 Things Every Home Seller Should Do
As a home seller, your goal is to sell your property quickly for the most money possible.
June 12, 2020
The Complete Guide to Decluttering
real estate
The Complete Guide to Decluttering
Spending a lot of time at home? What better time to get organized?
May 8, 2020
Retirees, Sell Your Home Without a Hassle
retirement
Retirees, Sell Your Home Without a Hassle
If you need a quick sale so you can move to a better or different situation, you have some quick-turnaround options.
April 6, 2020
Trim the Cost of Pet Care
Smart Buying
Trim the Cost of Pet Care
Your furry friends can run up a big tab over their lifetime, but we'll show you how to keep expenses in check.
February 21, 2020
Does Rental Income Count for IRA Contributions?
investing
Does Rental Income Count for IRA Contributions?
Rental income is considered "passive," and traditional and Roth IRA contributions must come from "active" income, or compensation from working.
November 9, 2019
How to Get Rid of a Timeshare
Travel
How to Get Rid of a Timeshare
It’s not easy, and you will never get back what you paid for it.
October 3, 2019
Discover Your Roots With DNA Testing
spending
Discover Your Roots With DNA Testing
DNA testing offers insights into your family tree, but watch out for unintended consequences.
October 3, 2019
Unconventional Mortgage Loans Are Making a Comeback
loans
Unconventional Mortgage Loans Are Making a Comeback
Lenders are making it easier to get loans, but a repeat of the housing crisis isn’t in the cards.
October 3, 2019
How to Complain and Get Results
Making Your Money Last
How to Complain and Get Results
Impersonal customer service makes it hard to get help. Here's the script for success.
September 17, 2019
Market for Home Solar Systems Heats Up
Tax Breaks
Market for Home Solar Systems Heats Up
With falling costs and hefty tax credits for solar systems, more homeowners are harnessing the sun to save money.
August 6, 2019
Now Is a Good Time to Refinance
interest rates
Now Is a Good Time to Refinance
You may benefit even if you can’t reduce your mortgage rate by a full percentage point.
August 1, 2019
Claremont, Calif.: A Smart Place to Retire
retirement
Claremont, Calif.: A Smart Place to Retire
Explore Claremont’s vast range hiking trails or try out lectures and performances at one of its seven colleges.
July 9, 2019
Richmond, Va.: A Smart Place to Retire
real estate
Richmond, Va.: A Smart Place to Retire
Opportunities in the arts abound in this vibrant eastern city for retirees.
July 9, 2019
How to Protect Your Home From Deed Theft
home
How to Protect Your Home From Deed Theft
You don’t need to pay a company to protect you from criminals who put their names on your home title. You can protect yourself for free with these ste…
June 27, 2019
Financial Rules of Thumb to Consider Breaking
Financial Planning
Financial Rules of Thumb to Consider Breaking
We found five rules that you may want to bend—or ignore.
June 18, 2019